Conditioned Reinforcers and Token Economy Notes

Primary Reinforcer

stimuli that is biologically important to the client - no prior learning

Example of Primary Reinforcer

food, water, affection, shelter, sex, sleep

Secondary Reinforcers

stimuli that are reinforcing bc of a previous association with a primary reinforcer

Examples of Secondary Reinforcers

money, praise, tokens, points

Backup Reinforcer

items, activities, privileges that can be obtained with tokens in a token economy system.

Examples of Backup Reinforcers

toys, extra credit, snacks

Token Economy

a program where tokens can be earned for desirable behaviors, and can exchange tokens earned for back-up reinforcers

Token Economy - Other Things To Consider

1. keeping data - who does it, when is it done, where are sheets kept

2. the reinforcing agent - who delivers the reinforcers

3. number/frequency of tokens to pay - provide more tokens at the onset of the program & then gradually wean them

4. managing backup reinforcers - how frequently are they available

5. possible punishment contingencies - tokens may be taken away as a form of punishment

6. supervision of staff

7. handling potential problems

Initial Steps in Setting up a Token Economy

1. deciding on target behaviors

2. taking baselines - obtain baseline data should be obtained before beginning the token economy

3. selecting backup reinforcers - have a good variety of rfcrs for the client, who is responsible for determining what is rfcing for them

4. selecting type of token to use - should be attractive, lightweight, portable

5. identifying available help - dependent upon size of the token economy you are establishing

6. choosing the location

Factors Influencing Effectiveness of Conditioned RFCR

1. the strength of backup rfcr - conditioned rfcr won’t be reinforcing if the client doesn’t find the backup rfcr desirable

2. variety of backup rfcr - many backup rfcr options can mean at least one of them will be strong enough to maintain the conditioned rfcrs

3. schedule of pairing w/ backup rfcrs - conditioned rfct is more effective if backup rfct does not follow each occurrence of the conditioned rfcr

4. extinction of the conditioned rfcrs - to remain effective, it must continue to be associated w/ suitable backup rfcr. ceasing to provide rfct for a conditioned rfcr will lead to termination of the desired behavior